What distinguishes a truly exceptional Bordeaux from one that is highly praised? Age. And to many in the wine world, Bordeaux has mastered wine’s greatest friend: Time. While most wines are made to drink young, several Chateaux would recommend you wait at least 10 years before noticing the magic in their wines. The structure starts to give way, opening the floor for silky tannins, tertiary aromas, complex flavors that change on a dime, and epic finishes on the palate. Here is what we tasted:
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- Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1994 (Pauillac, 12.5% ABV)
- Château Léoville Las Cases Grand Vin 1998 (Saint Julien, 13% ABV)
- Château Léoville Barton 1995 (Saint Julien, 12.5% ABV)
- Château Ducru-Beaucaillon 1996 (Saint Julien, 13% ABV)
- Château Montrose 1998 (Saint Estèphe, 12.5% ABV)
- Cos d’Estournel 1996 (Saint Estèphe, 13% ABV)
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The Montrose and Barton showed up to dance, while the Cos d’Estournel was a bit shier than expected. The Pichon was also a winner tonight with subtle aromas of stewed cherry, delicate leather and tobacco leaves.